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Show THE ART OF PRESERVING HEALTH. Exercise sharpens the appetite and increases the power of digestion. These are very important results. In most cases where the digestive function has become impaired, from any cause, systematic and judicious exercise is a far better remedy than "patent medicine." I say judicious exercise. It may do more harm than good, if taken at improper times, or immoderately. Immediate exertion after a full meal is injurious. The nervous force which is concentrated upon the stomach for the digestion of the new installment of food must not be withdrawn to the muscles at this important period. Rest for a while after dinner is required, and a little quiet before the meal is also serviceable. Exercise drives the blood to the surface, and favorably affects the skin. Its pores are opened, and the rapidly accumulated heat passes off through perspiration. No amount of cold can prevent the outward passage of fluid, and hence there is no danger of chills during active exercise. The danger is great however, when the exercise is over, unless extra clothing is put on, to prevent the escape of too much animal heat, and equalize the temperature. Like eating and sleeping, exercise should become regular and persistent every day of life. The amount of daily exercise necessary in the open air, depends somewhat upon the circumstances of the person, and the kind of exercise sought. As far as possible, the kind of exercise should be indulged in which is the most attractive and enjoyable, as this adds much to its health-giving power. Exercise is liable to be either excessive or insufficient. Proper exercise tends to increase the muscles in size, hardness and elasticity; but if excessive it tends to loss of power and waste of tissue. The tired muscle must have rest to retain its full size and vigor. But how is this consistent with the constant activity of the involuntary muscles? How can the heart beat all the time, night and day, for eighty years, while the arm can swing only half of each twenty-four hours? These questions are asked sometimes from a misapprehension. The fact is, the human heart beats only half the time. Its action is intermittent, one part resting while the other part "beats." So the law which requires rest for the muscles, as well as activity, is fulfilled. Excessive exercise is especially dangerous in childhood. Then the bones are incomplete and the muscles under [line unreadable] permanent injury. While this is true of exertion, it is as true that there is no other means of physical development but exercise. Inaction is as really dangerous as excessive activity. The amount of injury produced in this way depends upon circumstances. The indolent had better eat moderately, but even then there is a loss of vitality and a derangement of the functions of life. Hence deficiency of exercise tends to engender disease and shorten life. I have attempted to show that exercise is essential for health, and a want of it a fruitful source of sickness. Hence it must follow that in many cases the only means of regaining lost health is to report to suitable exercise. The movement cure, free gymnastics, and riding and walking in the open air, are far more hopeful remedies than drugs and medicines |